Residents in Peterborough and surrounding areas are being warned to brace for a major ice storm this weekend, with significant freezing rain expected to cause widespread power outages and hazardous conditions.
Environment Canada is forecasting a prolonged period of freezing rain beginning Friday evening and continuing through Sunday afternoon. Ice accretion is expected to range from 10 to 20 millimetres, with some areas potentially seeing over 25 millimetres. The heaviest freezing rain is anticipated overnight into Saturday morning.
The storm is expected to begin as snow or rain before transitioning to freezing rain Friday evening. While conditions may briefly improve on Saturday, freezing rain will persist before changing to rain on Sunday as temperatures rise above freezing.
As we wait to see what this spring ice storm brings, the OPP’s Bill Dickson says we may have timing on our side.
Audio PlayerHe says doing so reduces traffic making it easier for cleanup crews to get their jobs done.
Officials warn that ice buildup may lead to falling tree branches and treacherous walking and driving conditions. Public Safety Canada is urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and to prepare emergency kits with essentials such as water, food, medicine, and flashlights.
